HIV tests advised for Samaritans

QUEENSLAND Health wants the good Samaritans who helped a fatally injured HIV positive man involved in a crash at Airlie Beach on Thursday night to contact them immediately for medical advice.

The workmates of the man, who had been employed by Club Med Resort at Lindeman Island, were yesterday being offered counselling.

The 36-year-old Mauritius man was tragically killed when his vehicle and another collided on Shute Harbour Road, near the Centro Shopping Centre at Cannonvale, about 6.45pm on Thursday.

The man, and a 29-year-old woman from Proserpine, who was driving the other vehicle, were trapped and had to be cut free by a Queensland Fire and Rescue Service crew.

The man was pronounced dead about 7.30pm by a doctor at the scene.

It was discovered the man was carrying HIV.

Queensland Health chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said Queensland Health was aware of several people at the crash scene, including civilians, who may have come in contact with the man.

Dr Young urged anyone who attended the scene to contact Proserpine Hospital as soon as possible.

“In general, if an individual has been exposed to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be taken after exposure to prevent infection. It must be taken within 72 hours of exposure, and this is called contact tracing,” Dr Young said.

“Once the contacts are found, they should take PEP and be given appropriate advice. Queensland Health has very strict procedures to ensure confidentiality during this process,” she said.

Mackay police district Acting Superintendent Rohan Burke said police officers who attended did not come into contact with the man and therefore did not undergo testing.

Management on Lindeman Island said staff had been informed of the man's death and had been offered counselling.

The female driver of the other vehicle was airlifted to Mackay Base Hospital but was discharged from hospital on Saturday with a suspected broken ankle.

Dr Young could not confirm if the woman had been tested for HIV.

“Doctors looking after the patient would have assessed any risk and made a clinical decision whether she required testing. Individual management of this injured patient is confidential,” she said.

Queensland Health last night could not confirm whether anyone had had come forward for testing.

If anyone involved at the scene of this incident is concerned and has not yet sought medical advice, they should contact Proserpine Hospital on 48139400.